Name

Jovita F. Randall

Degrees & where obtained:

B.A., Psychology; Minor, Anthropology - Shippensburg University, 1995

Year and program

4^th year

Behavioral Neuroscience PH.D Program - American University

·Strong educational emphasis in pharmacology/physiological psychology

·Research emphasis in prenatal drug abuse

Publications

Hutchinson, A.C.; Simpson, S.R.; Randall, J.F.; Zhang, X.; Calderon, S.N.; Rice,

K.C.; and Riley, A.L. Assessment of SNC 80 and naltrindole within a

conditioned taste aversion design. Pharmacology Biochemistry and

Behavior, in press.

Presentations

Randall, J.F.; Simpson, G.R.; Avila, A.; Kromer, L.F.; Bayer, B.M.; and Riley, A.L.

The effects of prenatal cocaine exposure on immune reactivity. Society for

Neurosciences, 2000, Washington, DC (Abstract).

Sobel, B.-F.X.; B.S; Randall, J.F.; Simpson, G.R.; and Riley, A.L. Assessment of

mu- and delta-opioid antagonists within a conditioned taste aversion

design. Society for Neurosciences, 1998, Washingtion, DC (Abstract).

Thesis and Dissertation topics / titles

·The effects of prenatal exposure to cocaine on the reinforcing efficacy of cocaine in adults rats.

Overall research interests

The effects abusive drugs on prenatal development. Measuring if such exposure may influence the vulnerability of offspring to acquire drug dependence. In addition such exposure on offspring’s immune function and disease susceptibility.

Lab rotations, collaborations, etc.

Collaboration with the Immunological Laboratory at Georgetown University, headed by Dr. Barbara Bayer. This collaboration involves assessing the immune system of prenatal cocaine exposed offspring.